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I just learned today that Virgil Smith passed away. I haven't heard any details yet, but I know he will be missed by many. I had a chance to visit with him when He came to Seattle several years ago to do an all day presentation for the Seattle PTG chapter. Some may remember when he did a couple of "Tune Offs" against Jim Coleman Sr.

I had the privilege of attending some of his classes over the years. He was a great instructor, a good technician, teacher and tuner. I saw him at the convention in Grand Rapids too, or at least I think it was him in that wheel chair. Wasn't it Ryan? He was busy talking with someone. I didn't interrupt him and I doubt he would remember me anyway although, he might have remembered my dad as he also attended his classes.

Sad indeed. The tune offs were most interesting to read about in the journal.

That is indeed sad news. I gave Virgil a ride to a convention decades ago when I was a young tech. I picked his brain, and he let me sit on the bench beside him as he prepped a piano for one of his tuning classes. I learned so much that weekend. I will remember him with great fondness and respect.

Virgil Smith occasionally did some tuning at the college where I attended and I recall one chapel service that I attended where Virgil had recently added some hammer hardener to the bass section of hammers on the Steinway D in the auditorium and was scheduled to come back to do some final voicing. Because no voicing had been done yet after the application of the hardener the tone was pretty bright on that section. After the first hymn, the President of the college who was leading the singing looked over at the pianist and exclaimed, "They must have put that piano on steroids".

Mid 1970's Virgil worked contract for Lyon & Healy and concert work for Steinway while I was doing some of the same for Baldwin in Chicago. Occasionally followed each other on the same piano. Gifted piano tech and good man. He will be missed.